59 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
59 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
# Chapter 28
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1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
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but the godly are as bold as lions.
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2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
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But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
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3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
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is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
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4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
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to obey the law is to fight them.
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5 Evil people don’t understand justice,
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but those who follow the Lord understand completely.
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6 Better to be poor and honest
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than to be dishonest and rich.
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7 Young people who obey the law are wise;
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those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
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8 Income from charging high interest rates
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will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
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9 God detests the prayers
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of a person who ignores the law.
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10 Those who lead good people along an evil path
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will fall into their own trap,
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but the honest will inherit good things.
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11 Rich people may think they are wise,
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but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
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12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
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When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
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13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
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but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
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14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,
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but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
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15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
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as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
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16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
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but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
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17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
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Don’t protect him!
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18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,
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but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
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19 A hard worker has plenty of food,
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but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
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20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
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but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
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21 Showing partiality is never good,
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yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
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22 Greedy people try to get rich quick
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but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
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23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
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far more than flattery.
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24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother
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and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
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is no better than a murderer.
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25 Greed causes fighting;
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trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
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26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
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but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
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27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
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but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
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28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
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When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish. |